Mayor Condemns SCOTUS Roe V. Wade Ruling: Around Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — Patch reviews some of this past week's top stories around Chatham.

Mayor Condemns Roe V. Wade Ruling, Protects Abortion In Chatham

Following the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, effectively repealing the constitutional right to abortion across the country, Chatham Borough Mayor Thaddeus Kobylarz and the six borough council members unanimously passed a resolution protecting the right in the borough. Kobylarz and the council publicly condemned the June 24 Supreme Court decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson and urged the Federal Government and the State of New Jersey to implement feasible safeguards to ensure that women retain autonomy over their healthcare decisions, including those concerning birth control and pregnancy

The Annual Fire Department 4th Of July Celebration Is Back In Chatham

The traditional Chatham Fourth of July Parade and fireworks display will return for all to enjoy after two years of Covid-19 safe "drive-by" parades. The details for the celebration were announced on Friday by Corey Duren, parade chairman for the Chatham Fire Department Association's 68th Independence Day Celebration. On July 4, the Mayor and Council will raise the flag and inspect the fire department at the Borough Firehouse at 9:15 a.m.

Community Bids Farewell To Chatham Borough Officer After 21 Years

Chatham Borough Police Chief Brian Gibbons honored retiring Chatham Traffic Safety Officer Roy E. George II, who retired after 25 years of service, 21 of which were spent with the borough police department. George, who will officially retire from the force on July 1, was recently honored at a Chatham Borough Council meeting on Monday, June 27.

Teen Suffers 'Critical Injuries' After Bike Collision In Chatham

A 19-year-old Chatham male on a bicycle struck a 2015 Toyota Sienna merging onto Southern Boulevard from River Road on Tuesday morning, according to Chatham Township Police Lt. Brad Hayworth. The township resident, who has not been publically named by police, was taken to Morristown Medical Center after suffering "critical injuries," Hayworth said.

Offer Extended For Temporary Recreation Director In Chatham Township

The township will, at least temporarily, have its own recreation director in the near future. The Chatham Township Committee unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the administration to offer the position to Larry McCann. At the busy committee meeting on Tuesday night, McCann was offered the position of Chatham Township Recreation Director for a 90-day probationary period. The position's official start date was not specified and will be determined "at a later date," said Chatham Township Clerk Greg LaConte.

Stolen Vehicles In Chatham Borough, Police Crime Stats Released

As communities throughout Morris County have seen an increase in vehicle thefts in recent months, Chatham Borough police have been working to reduce the odds in the borough. According to a report released by members of the Chatham Borough Police Department, Chatham accounted for approximately 24 percent of all stolen cars in Morris County in both January and February, but that figure has since dropped to 8.14 percent.

Child Pornography Possession Charge Filed Against Morris Co. Man

A Morris County man faces charges of possessing and distributing child pornography after his arrest this week, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Bryan Wesselius, 45, of Whippany, has been charged by complaint with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, Sellinger said.

Rise In Drownings Lead To Calls For Water Safety In Morris County
Morris County officials from various agencies stood shoulder to shoulder Friday afternoon at Lake Hopatcong to urge the public to heed warnings about the dangers of unsafe boating and swimming practices. More people are venturing outside to enjoy the nice weather and water activities in New Jersey. However, having fun in the water can be dangerous if safety precautions are not taken.

Online Sex Extortion Targets Minors, Morris Co. Warns Parents
As technology becomes more prevalent in everyday life, online sexual extortion of minors is on the rise, and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office wants to remind parents of online safety precautions they and their children should take to stay safe. Morris County officials are committed to educating the general public about the risks and potential hazards associated with child sexual abuse material and child pornography, as well as children's misuse of technology.